Inserts (L-R) The proposed ten-year plan, the Ballot Measure Language (Photos – City of Pasadena)
The Pasadena City Council voted to place a proposed emergency preparedness tax measure before voters that would generate about $22.1 million annually for fire stations, paramedic services and wildfire preparedness.
By Andrew Sweet
The vote comes as Pasadena continues to reassess its wildfire preparedness following the Eaton Fire, which destroyed more than 9,000 homes in neighboring communities.
The measure would levy a tax of 19 cents per square foot of improved property. Revenue would be used to modernize fire stations, upgrade emergency communication systems, expand wildfire mitigation programs, enhance paramedic services and support other capital improvements identified in the Fire Department’s 2026–2036 Strategic Plan.
In a staff presentation, officials said the tax would allow the city to meet the Strategic Plan’s goals within 10 years. The measure would remain in effect for 14 years unless reauthorized by voters. The plan includes funding for the retrofit of two fire stations.
During public comment, members of the West Pasadena Residents Association voiced support for the measure, arguing that the city’s detection systems have not kept pace with changing wind patterns and that renovated fire stations could help address rising insurance costs.
“Fire doesn’t wait for budgets to catch up,” said Carlos Javalera, president of the West Pasadena Residents Association.
Other speakers, however, raised concerns about the measure’s wording and questioned whether the proposed tax was the best approach. Some said seniors living on fixed incomes would struggle with additional taxes and urged the city to pursue alternatives, including state and federal grants.
Another commenter argued that the levy disproportionately targets homeowners even though commuters, visitors and renters also benefit from fire department services.
After public comment concluded, councilmembers focused their discussion on adding a sunset provision to the measure. Councilmembers Jason Lyon, District 7, Jess Rivas, District 4, and Justin Jones, District 3, led the discussion, with Jones introducing the motion.
The council then debated whether the measure should expire after 10 or 15 years. Councilmember Tyron Hampton, District 1, argued a 10-year sunset would be more appealing to voters and less financially burdensome, while Lyon and Rivas said 15 years would provide more time to complete the projects and measure their impact.
The council ultimately voted 7-0-1 to adopt a 14-year sunset provision and include funding for the retrofit of two fire stations. Hampton abstained
“This is insurance for all 140,000 people who live in our city,” Councilmember Cole, District 2, said.
The measure will appear on the November ballot, where it will require approval from two-thirds of Pasadena voters to take effect.
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